Mythical Figure Who Inspired “Fly Too Close to the Sun” — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 14, 2025)
The puzzle turns to Greek mythology for this down entry. Below is the verified answer, mythological background, and solving cues. Apostrophes appear as ' and quotation marks as " for safe rendering.
2 Down
Mythical figure who inspired “fly too close to the sun”
The answer ICARUS references the tragic son of Daedalus, whose wax wings melted when he soared too high. The idiom emerges directly from his myth.
Why ICARUS Fits
Mythological Precision
- Word Tips describes the myth precisely, citing Daedalus and the sun-melting wings.
- The idiom “fly too close to the sun” directly references ICARUS's downfall.
- Six-letter grid entry lines up with an iconic myth seldom clued by any other name.
Crossing Confidence
- I crosses CIGS, the first across answer.
- C intersects A COW, verifying the second letter instantly.
- A, R, U, and S lock with RACE, BRAD, GOCART, and SURE respectively.
Myth-Based Solving Techniques
Recognize Classic Myths
(NYT Mini loves iconic Greek myths. Icarus, Atlas, and Hera appear frequently—keep these names ready.)
Note Idiom Origins
When a clue references an idiom's origin, the answer is almost always the proper noun behind the phrase.
Use Word Tips Hints
The source site emphasized the mythology and directly named the sun incident, ensuring no alternative fits.
Cross-Test Long Entries
Longer down answers like ICARUS stabilize the grid. Locking this entry reduces uncertainty for adjacent across clues.
Vocabulary & Connections
Related Myth Terms
- Daedalus
- Labyrinth
- Wax wings
- Minotaur
Crossword Crossovers
- ICARUS FALLING
- CRETE
- MYTH
- LESSON
Letter Breakdown
ICARUS balances three consonants and three vowels, delivering clean crossings that keep the down column fluid.